Engineering Technician Apprentice

DS Smith

Ormskirk (L40 0SY)

Closes in 20 days (Sunday 10 May 2026)

Posted on 20 April 2026

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Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Burscough site as an Engineering Technician Apprentice.

If you are curious, hands‑on, and excited by real-world engineering, sustainability and new technologies, this apprenticeship is an excellent pathway into a long-term engineering career.

Wage

£19,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years 7 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Carrying out planned preventative maintenance
  • Responding to reactive repairs and improving equipment performance
  • Learning to source spare parts and manage service contracts
  • Maintaining accurate equipment records and documenting root cause analysis
  • Meeting site and group engineering KPIs
  • Ensuring compliance with engineering standards and policies
  • Managing or supporting maintenance contractors
  • Upholding excellent safety and housekeeping across workshops and the wider site

Where you'll work

Red Cat Lane
Burscough
Ormskirk
L40 0SY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

EEF LIMITED

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Years 1- 3: Build your foundations

  • Spend 4‑week blocks at Make UK (Birmingham) studying practical and BTEC units
  • Return to the site for 2‑week placements applying your new skills
  • Progress towards your BTEC Level 3 Diploma
  • All Birmingham stays (Mon–Fri) are fully paid for by DS Smith
     

Year 4: Step up & qualify

Fully based on-site in our factory
Take on real engineering responsibilities
Complete your Level 3 Diploma and End‑Point Assessment

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 5)
  • Maths (grade 5)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working

About this employer

DS Smith is a world-leading provider of fibre‑based, sustainable packaging solutions, supported by our integrated recycling and papermaking operations. Through our purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World, we are driving the transition to a more circular, low‑carbon economy. Our solutions help major brands reduce carbon, replace problem plastics and keep materials in use for longer - supported by our innovative design capabilities and our unique “box‑to‑box in 14 days” model.

https://www.dssmith.com/uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Clear route into a permanent mechanical or electrical engineer role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DS Smith

Oliver Churchill

oliver.churchill@dssmith.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027284.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Sunday 10 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.